Neonatal Tetanus and Gender Disparity

Abstract

Background: Neonatal tetanus (NNT) is a deadly vaccine preventable disease and one of the most underreported diseases in the developing countries seen in the newborn within the first 28 days of life. NNT remains one of the leading causes of deaths among neonates in the developing countries with about 130,000 neonatal deaths recorded in 2004. Despite the global success recorded in the NNT elimination strategy, Nigeria remains among the 25 remaining countries that record NNT cases. Study Design: Retrospective study Methods: This quantitative cross-sectional study involved mothers who gave birth to children with NNT within their first 28 days of life. The study used secondary data collected between January 2008 and December 2013 from northeast region of Nigeria. Results: The results revealed that 58% had male children (n =182) and the remaining 42% had female children (n = 130). The predominance of the male neonates could partly be as a result of the sociocultural preference given to the male child in Nigerian. Conclusion: There is the need for parents to promptly seek urgent medical attention for all suspected NNT cases irrespective of the gender of the child to reduce neonatal mortality rates.